Cate Blanchett to receive Freedom of the City of London
She is being honoured alongside Adrian Dunbar
Cate Blanchett and Adrian Dunbar will receive the Freedom of the City of London.
The honour is one of the square mile's oldest traditions, with the first believed to date back to 1237.
Recipients are thanked for their contribution to London or public life or to celebrate a very significant achievement.
Australian actor Ms Blanchett has appeared on screen and stage for more than 30 years. Known for roles in films from The Lord of the Rings to The Aviator, she has also long been an advocate for action on climate change and a range of humanitarian issues.
Mr Dunbar meanwhile is perhaps most recognised for his time as Superintendent Ted Hastings in the hit TV series Line of Duty.
Both have given performances at the Barbican in the last 12 months, and Mr Dunbar is an alumnus of the Guildhall School of Music and Drama.
Ms Blanchett and Mr Dunbar’s names were included on a list of more than 50 people nominated to receive the Freedom, which was approved at last week’s (June 26) Court of Common Council.
England international rugby player Maro Itoje was also one of those listed. A Freedom ceremony is now to be organised at which those nominated will receive their certificates.
Sir Chris Hoy and his wife Lady Sarra Hoy were recently awarded the Freedom of the City for their charitable work and Sir Chris’s sporting successes.
There are several ways to apply for the Freedom, one of which is to be nominated by two sponsors who must either be Common Councillors of the City of London, Aldermen or Liverymen. A fee of £170 is also required to be paid.
Ms Blanchett was nominated by Alderman Sir William Russell and Deputy Emily Benn, as was Mr Dunbar.
Chair of the City of London Corporation’s Freedom Applications Committee, Alderman Russell, said: “One of the City of London’s ancient traditions, the Freedom is believed to have begun in 1237 and enabled recipients to carry out their trade.
“As well as being nominated for, or applying for, the Freedom, it is also offered by the City of London Corporation to individuals as a way of paying tribute to their outstanding contribution to London or public life, or to celebrate a very significant achievement.
“Recent high-profile recipients include Sir Chris and Lady Sarra Hoy, Poet Laureate Simon Armitage; comedian, actor, and writer, Sir Lenny Henry; Olympic and Commonwealth Games Gold- and Silver-medal winning athlete, Lady Mary Peters.”
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